Disney’s upcoming live-action adaptation of Snow White is facing significant turmoil, with escalating tensions between its lead actresses, Gal Gadot and Rachel Zegler. Recent reports suggest that Gadot has been the target of numerous death threats, prompting Disney to implement heightened security measures for her safety.
The controversy stems from Zegler’s vocal support for Palestine, which reportedly sparked backlash and created internal conflicts within the studio.
Rachel Zegler’s Post and the Fallout
In August 2024, Rachel Zegler, who stars as Snow White, publicly expressed her support for Palestine by sharing a “Free Palestine” message on her social media accounts. The timing of her post coincided with the release of the film’s first promotional material, raising concerns within Disney about the potential impact on the film’s reception.
According to Variety, Disney executives were taken aback by the statement. Producer Marc Platt reportedly flew to New York for a face-to-face conversation with Zegler to address the matter. Despite the pressure, Zegler refused to delete the post, maintaining her stance.
One insider criticized Zegler’s decision, stating:
“She didn’t understand the repercussions of her actions as far as what that meant for the film, for Gal, for anyone.”
Gal Gadot Targeted with Death Threats
Gal Gadot, who portrays the Evil Queen in Snow White and is of Israeli descent, became a central figure in the fallout. Following Zegler’s post, Gadot reportedly faced an onslaught of death threats. The severity of the situation led Disney to increase its security measures, ensuring the safety of the actress and her family.
Insiders suggest that Gadot was not only a victim of the backlash but also faced personal criticism due to her public support for Israel. The situation underscored the risks celebrities face when political statements intersect with their professional endeavors.
Internal Response from Disney
In response to the mounting controversy, Disney took several steps to mitigate the damage. The studio brought in a social media consultant to monitor and advise Zegler on her online presence. Additionally, Disney attempted to manage the public narrative by emphasizing the studio’s commitment to diversity and open dialogue.
However, tensions reportedly lingered on set and during the film’s promotional events. Sources indicate that the strained relationship between Zegler and Gadot was evident, adding further challenges to the studio’s damage control efforts.
The Oscar’s Incident and Further Controversy
The conflict escalated during the 2025 Oscars ceremony, where Zegler and Gadot made a joint appearance. According to reports from the New York Post, Zegler allegedly made a disparaging remark, referring to Gadot as a “professional pageant queen.” The comment, perceived as dismissive and unprofessional, further widened the rift between the two actresses.
While neither Gadot nor Zegler has publicly addressed the alleged incident, the fallout continued to dominate media conversations, fueling further speculation about the film’s production challenges.
Impact on the Film’s Prospects
The ongoing controversy has raised concerns about the financial prospects of Snow White. Industry experts speculate that the backlash could negatively impact the film’s box office performance, particularly in international markets where geopolitical tensions may influence audience reception.
Despite the challenges, Disney remains committed to the project, with the film still scheduled for a late 2025 release. The studio is expected to adjust its marketing strategy to navigate the sensitive political landscape and regain public support.
Broader Implications for Hollywood
The Snow White controversy highlights the increasingly complex relationship between politics, social media, and the entertainment industry. Celebrities and studios alike face mounting scrutiny over their public statements, often leading to unforeseen consequences.
For Disney, the situation serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of proactive crisis management and the delicate balance of supporting creative expression while maintaining brand reputation.
As the release date approaches, all eyes will be on how Disney navigates the ongoing fallout and whether Snow White can overcome the controversy to achieve box office success.
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